Feminist, Civil Society Activist and Women's Rights Defender

MD, MPhil in Development Studies (IDS, University of Sussex)

Founder of European Organization for Integration e.V. and Afghan Women Activists Coordinating

Body (AWACB)

Dr. Patoni Teichmann is a committed human rights activist and feminist, recognized for her leadership

in combating gender apartheid in Afghanistan. 

As the founder of AWACB, the largest Afghan

women’s activist group, she has been at the forefront of advocating for women's rights and driving

policy reforms. With a background in medicine and development studies, her work spans healthcare

research, social change, and senior advisory roles in both governmental and international

organizations. 

Through her various leadership and advisory roles, she has driven impactful social

change and spearheaded policy reforms.

Dedicated Academic and Advocate for Women's Rights

Dr. Maria Raheen, has been a dedicated academic and advocate for women's rights in Afghanistan.

Since 2001, she has been a professor at the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at Balkh

University, serving as its dean from 2015 to August 2021. 

Her professional focus extends to advancing

women's rights; she led an organization working on social and legal awareness for women across nine

provinces in northern and northeastern Afghanistan.

 Additionally, she served as a Peace Ambassador

for UN Women in the northern regions of the country.

Advocate for Women's Rights and Refugee Empowerment

Marzia Babakarkhail, a former judge in Puli Khumri, Baghlan, Afghanistan, has dedicated her life to

advocating for women's rights in the face of Taliban oppression.

 In 1994, she founded the Afghan

Women Social and Cultural Organization to empower Afghan women despite immense danger. From

1999 to 2008, she served on the Board of the Afghan NGO Coordination Bureau (ANCB) and

chaired its Women’s Committee.

Forced to flee Afghanistan in 2008 after a Taliban assassination attempt, Marzia continued her fight

justice as a refugee in the UK. 

She became an immigration caseworker, volunteering in grassroots

organizations, and has received numerous awards for her community work, including the Fusion

Woman of the Year Award (2017) and special recognition at the 2023 True Honour Awards for her

commitment to ending "honour"-based violence.

Minister for Counter-Narcotics in Afghanistan, Master of Law and Gender studies

is a distinguished academic and legal expert with a career spanning over three decades. She holds two

Master’s degrees—one in Criminal Law and Criminology, and another in Gender and Women’s

Studies—as well as a Doctorate in Criminal Law and Criminology. 

Dr. Azimi earned her Bachelor's

degree in Law and Political Science.

Her professional journey began in 1991 at the Institute of Legislation and Legal Research, Ministry of

Justice. She later served as a faculty member at Balkh University’s Faculty of Law and Political Science

(1994–2015) and Kabul University (2015–2021). 

Dr. Azimi held the role of Minister for

Counter-Narcotics in Afghanistan from 2015 to 2019. She has also been a prominent member of the

Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, focusing on children's rights in the northern

zone.

Governor of Daikondi, peace and reconciliation, women and human rights consultant, university

perofessor

Masome Moradi is a master of management, consultant for women and human rights in the Ministry

of Urban Development and deputy of monitoring and evaluation in the Election Commission,

She was the governor of Daikondi, and I have been a consultant in the

executive directorate and the Supreme Council of Reconciliation in the office of Dr. Abdullah

First non-Muslim Member of Afghanistan’s National Assembly

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar is a trailblazing Sikh Afghan politician, esteemed dentist, and medical doctor,

who made history as the first non-Muslim member of Afghanistan’s National Assembly. 

A staun

advocate for women's rights, she has been a formidable force against domestic abuse, forced marriages,

and gender discrimination. Her dedication to promoting human dignity and tolerance earned her the

prestigious UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.

 In

recognition of her outstanding contributions to human rights and social justice, Radio Free Europe

honored her as Person of the Year in 2009.

Political figure and Women’s Rights Activi

Adelah Bahram Nizami is an Afghan political figure and women’s rights activist with a long-standi

commitment to advocating for women's rights and democratic reforms in Afghanistan. 

Holding a

Bachelor of Laws with a focus on Political Science and International Relations, Nizami has held several

significant roles throughout her caree

Notably, she served as Senior Advisor to President Ashraf Ghani and led the National Republican

Party of Afghanistan.

 Her advocacy work includes founding and leading multiple organizations such as

the Anti-War Movement, the Republican Party of Afghanistan, and the Afghan Women’s Peace and

Freedom Organization. 

Nizami has been actively involved in various Jirgas, including the Emergency

Loya Jirga and the Consultative Jirga on the Security Pact with the U.S. She also played a key role in the

development of the Women’s Convention and has been a strong voice for Afghan women, particularly

those in remote regions.

A Prominent Political Activist from Kandahar

Zarghona Baloch is the Director of the Women's Voice Organization and a prominent political activist

from Kandahar, Afghanistan. 

Currently based in Albania, she has over two decades of experience

working with national and international NGOs across 12 provinces of Afghanistan. With a Bachelor's

degree in Political Science from Kandahar University, Zarghona has participated in numerous

leadership and legal training programs. 

As the founder of the Women's Voice Organization, she

advocates for women's rights, employment opportunities, and education, serving over 10,000 female

members.

Islamic Studies and a Bachelor of Education, Sheikh Zayed University

Zahra Jalal Pashaye is a prominent advocate for women's and girls' education in southeastern

Afghanistan.

 A member of the Pashaye ethnic minority, she holds diplomas in Health and Islamic

Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Education from Sheikh Zayed University. With over 25 years of tireless

activism, Zahra has been a leading voice for literacy and women's rights. 

Her roles have spanned various

fields, including serving in the Tarin Rasahi department, teaching at the Afghan Institute, and worki

as a provincial council lawyer.

 She has also contributed as an advisor to the honorary executive

directorate, remaining a dedicated force for national reconciliation and the empowerment of the

oppressed

Women's Rights Advocate

With an LLB from Kabul University,

Shabnam Kohistani currently serves as the CEO of the English language private institute and the  head of legal dispute resolution at a Welfare Association in Istanbul.

Civil Society Activist and Gender Expert with a Master’s in Business Administration

Shirin Noorzai is a dedicated civil society activist and gender expert with a Master’s in Business

Administration. 

Based in Kabul, she serves as the head of the Herat Business Women’s Association and

is known for her work as a small business advisor for women in both urban and rural areas. Shirin is a

prominent advocate against violence towards women and represents women's issues in the western

zone on behalf of the USIP political office. 

Her efforts extend into the economic and cultural sec

where she champions peace and women empowerment

Master’s in International Security and a PhD in Political Science

Dr. Farah Mostafavi is a peace and human rights activist with a background in Law and Political

Science, holding a Master’s in International Security and a PhD in Political Science. 

She has over a

decade of experience working in social peacebuilding, youth networking, and professional training in

negotiation and mediation across India and Tajikistan. 

Dr. Mostafavi is the founder of the cultural

event series “Nai & Nawa” and has dedicated five years to the preservation of Afghanistan’s cultur

heritage.

 She is also the founder and leadership member of the Spontaneous Women's Movement and

the Kabul Critical School.

Dedicated Women's Rights Activist, former member of the Afghan Parliament

Fawzia Yaftali is a dedicated women's rights activist. She holds a bachelor's degree and began her

advocacy work in the field of human rights, with a focus on women's right

From the early stages of her career, Fawzia held key roles in several organizations. She served as the

provincial head of the KHIO organization, followed by her leadership at the Marwa Development and

Cultural Organization, where she managed operations in Kunduz and neighboring provinces. Later,

she represented the people of Kunduz as a council member and secretary in the Provincial Council.

Throughout her career, Fawzia has actively participated in various civil society groups, including the

Afghan Women’s Advocacy Group, the Afghan Women’s Network, and multiple temporary coalitions

focused on women’s and girls' rights. She remains committed to advancing human rights and social

justice in Afghanistan.

Khatera Tughra is a fully funded medical student at Gazi University in Ankara, Türkiye, and an author with six prestigious awards for her works, including Efsun and Afsun Beyond the Vineyard. 

She is also a professional volleyball player competing in Türkiye’s 2nd Division. 

Beyond her academic and athletic accomplishments, Khatera is a passionate advocate for Afghan women's rights, actively raising her voice for their cause both in Türkiye and on the global stage.

A dedicated human rights defender and civil activist who spent months in a Taliban jail

Neda Parwani is a dedicated human rights defender and civil activist, holding a degree in Stomatology

(Dentistry). 

Her activism began in her school years, focusing on human and women's rights,

particularly advocating for women's access to education in collaboration with civil society

organizations in Parwan province.

In 2018, after joining northern Afghanistan's human rights and civil society networks, Neda expanded

her efforts by working as a radio and television presenter and journalist. 

She played a crucial role 

raising public awareness about the Taliban’s human rights abuses during the 1990s, aiming to prevent

their return to power.

Due to her steadfast support for human and women’s rights, Neda faced severe retaliation after the

Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. 

She endured four months of imprisonment under harrowing

conditions, losing loved ones and seeing her husband and young child suffer as wel

Despite these immense challenges, Neda remains unwavering in her commitment to defending human

rights, especially women's rights, in the ongoing struggle for freedom.

Master’s in International Relations, PhD Candidate in Political Science

Anye Hosseini from Herat is an experienced professional with a background in humanitarian and

educational roles, including work with the Red Cross, Ariana Private School, and the Free and Fair

Elections Foundation. 

She has held leadership positions in various youth and women’s organizations

and is currently a member of the Afghan Women’s Coordination Association

Women´s Rights Adavacate 

with a masters in Law. Has many years of experince in fighting for social justice and women´s rights 

Women’s rights defender and activist. Former employee of the US military in Afghanistan, nursing graduate from Mellat Medical Science Institute, currently living in exile in Iran with her three children.

Human Rights and Civil Society Activist, studied Psychology and Quran studiesRamika Achekzai is a dedicated human rights and civil society activist with a background in ComputerScience, Psychology, and Quranic Translation. She serves as the Chair of the Women’s Committee ofthe Afghanistan Salvation Council and is responsible for discipline at a private university in Kabul.Additionally, she is a member of the Afghan Women’s Coordination Association. Ramika is fluent Dari and Pashto.

Human Rights and Civil Society Activist, studied Psychology and Quran studies

Ramika Achekzai is a dedicated human rights and civil society activist with a background in Computer

Science, Psychology, and Quranic Translation. 

Khalida Nabizada

Political Journalist and Activist

Khalida Nabizada is a political journalist and reporter for Radio Rabia Balkhi (RRB). With a degree in

Law and Political Science, she has over six years of experience in media reporting, focusing on women’s

empowerment in legal, political, and social sectors. She has collaborated with BBC Media Action,

Global Affairs Canada, and is an active member of the Afghan civil society.

studied Management and public policy at  Kabul University and AUAF. Member of DAAD, German summer school from Kabul University. 

Former Budget Mangager in Mininstry of Finance, Member of Women internship program at MoF.  (2015-2020). 

Active member of Civil Society. 

Currently student at Freie Universität Berlin.

Women's Rights Advocate

holds a Bachelor's degree in Law and Political Science and has been the Director of Women's Affairs 

Baghlan since 2012. An active women's rights advocate, she collaborates with media and civil society,

and has been involved in implementing orders for female prisoners and serving as the Secretary of the

Commission on Violence Against Women. She played a key role in establishing Baghlan's first women

support center, "Safe House," and has been an integral part of the Afghan Women's Freedom

Movement's protest programs.

Women´s Rights Defender with many years of experince in fighting for injustice and human rights 

Women’s Rights ActivistSweeta Rasoli holds bachelor degrees in Political Science, Law, and Chemical Technology. With tenyears of diverse experience across management, women's self-sufficiency, and customer service, she also dedicated two years to voluntary work in women's affair

Women’s Rights Activist

Sweeta Rasoli holds bachelor degrees in Political Science, Law, and Chemical Technology. With ten

years of diverse experience across management, women's self-sufficiency.

Civil Society Activist and Gender Expert with a Master’s in Business Administration

Shirin Noorzai is a dedicated civil society activist and gender expert with a Master’s in Business

Administration. Based in Kabul, she serves as the head of the Herat Business Women’s Association and

is known for her work as a small business advisor for women in both urban and rural areas. Shirin is a

prominent advocate against violence towards women and represents women's issues in the western

zone on behalf of the USIP political office. Her efforts extend into the economic and cultural sec

where she champions peace and women empowerment.

Bachelor of Laws, Master of Political Science and International RelationsMarjila Amiri is a dedicated lawyer and human rights advocate specializing in criminal and family law.She has a Bachelor of Laws from Kardan University, Kabul, and a Master’s in Political Science andInternational Relations from Aydin University, Istanbul. Marjila has worked with Medica Afghanistanand Qanon Ghushtonky, advocating for vulnerable communities and women’s rights. Currently basedin Frankfurt, she continues to advance her legal and social work expertise.

Bachelor of Laws, Master of Political Science and International Relations

Marjila Amiri is a dedicated lawyer and human rights advocate specializing in criminal and family law.

She has a Bachelor of Laws from Kardan University, Kabul, and a Master’s in Political Science and

International Relations from Aydin University, Istanbul. Marjila has worked with Medica Afghanistan

and Qanon Ghushtonky, advocating for vulnerable communities and women’s rights. Currently based

in Frankfurt, she continues to advance her legal and social work expertise.

Maliha Aziz Farahmand

Women's Rights Advocate

Maliha Aziz Farahmand, originally from Badakhshan province, Afghanistan, holds degrees in

Medicine, Law, Political Science, and a Master's in Gender Studies. Throughout her career, she has

been an advocate for women's rights and gender equality. She has worked as a medical trainer for

Afghan women and girls, a trainer on women's rights from an Islamic perspective, and a mother and

child support supervisor. Additionally, she served as a gender advisor at the Election Commission and

the General Directorate of Security and Protection for government officials during President Ghan

term. Maliha also held the position of clinic in-charge for the same directorate and was a member of

the Termination Commission at the Security Council, Ministry of Defense, and Interior

Shaima Mohammadi

Women’s Rights Activist and Accomplished Athlete

is a dedicated women’s rights activist and accomplished athlete from Balkh, Afghanistan. Holding a

Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Kardan University, she is a member of Afghanistan’s national

Muay Thai team. 

Legal and Civil Society Activist,Frozen Sadat is a Legal activist, civil society member, and journalist , with experience across local,national, and international media. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and has expertise inteaching, broadcasting, mobilization, voice acting, scriptwriting, editing, photography, and publicspeaking.

Legal and Civil Society Activist,

Frozen Sadat is a Legal activist, civil society member, and journalist , with experience across local,

national, and international media. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and has expertise in

teaching, broadcasting, mobilization, voice acting, scriptwriting, editing, photography, and public

speaking.

Human Rights ActivistLina Taheri holds a Master’s degree in Policy and Public Administration from Kabul InternationalUniversity. She has served in key departments, including the Presidential Affairs Department, tMinistry of Government for Parliamentary Affairs, and the Afghan Parliament. Lina has also beactive in Afghan Civil Society and the Legal and Research Organization (COA).

Human Rights Activist

Lina Taheri holds a Master’s degree in Policy and Public Administration from Kabul International

University. She has served in key departments, including the Presidential Affairs Department, t

Ministry of Government for Parliamentary Affairs, and the Afghan Parliament. Lina has also be

active in Afghan Civil Society and the Legal and Research Organization (COA).

Khalida Nabizada

Political Journalist and Activist

Khalida Nabizada is a political journalist and reporter for Radio Rabia Balkhi (RRB). With a degree in

Law and Political Science, she has over six years of experience in media reporting, focusing on women’s

empowerment in legal, political, and social sectors. She has collaborated with BBC Media Action,

Global Affairs Canada, and is an active member of the Afghan civil society.

Women's and Children's Rights Advocate

Dr. Asila Sabor Osmani is a dedicated women's and children's rights advocate with a MD from the

Balkh Faculty of Medicine and a National Trainer Certificate in Addiction From ICCE.. A member 

the Balkh Civil Society, she is currently involved in the Afghan Women's Coordination Association

and volunteers with the UN on refugee issues